3.26.2011

I never had any big trials growing up, unless you consider that bad perm job I had in the 5th grade. In fact, I remember wondering when they would show up in life and what they would bring. We always hear that we should learn something from the hard knocks of life. As I experience more and more of life, I realize that one of the best gifts we can receive from our trials is empathy. I LOVE what Annie Swetchine had to say about this:

"Those who have suffered much, are like those who have learned many languages; they have learned to understand and be understood by all."

There are so many difficult languages to learn. Mitchell and I learned a tough language this week and I am so grateful that we were filled with love and compassion and not bitterness and anger. I know that is a direct result of so many of your silent prayers and thoughts for us. We love you all and have felt your love in return. We are continuing to grow and we will get over and conquer this hill.

I have had several days to ponder and reflect and music seems to speak to me.

After The Storm - Mumford and Sons

And after the storm,I run and run as the rains come

And I look up, I look up,on my knees and out of luck,I look up.

Night has always pushed up dayYou must know life to see decayBut I won't rot, I won't rotNot this mind and not this heart,I won't rot.

And I took you by the handAnd we stood tall,And remembered our own land,What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.Get over your hill and see what you find there,With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.